Big bounce from spin and torsion

The Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble theory of gravity naturally extends general relativity to account for the intrinsic spin of matter. Spacetime torsion, generated by spin of Dirac fields, induces gravitational repulsion in fermionic matter at extremely high densities and prevents the formation of singularities. Accordingly, the big bang is replaced by a bounce that occurred when the energy density $\epsilon\propto gT^4$ was on the order of $n^2/m_\textrm{Pl}^2$ (in natural units), where $n\propto gT^3$ is the fermion number density and $g$ is the number of thermal degrees of freedom. If the early Universe contained only the known standard-model particles ($g\approx 100$), then the energy density at the big bounce was about 15 times larger than the Planck energy. The minimum scale factor of the Universe (at the bounce) was about $10^{32}$ times smaller than its present value, giving \approx 50 \mum. If more fermions existed in the early Universe, then the spin-torsion coupling causes a bounce at a lower energy and larger scale factor. Recent observations of high-energy photons from gamma-ray bursts indicate that spacetime may behave classically even at scales below the Planck length, supporting the classical spin-torsion mechanism of the big bounce. Such a classical bounce prevents the matter in the contracting Universe from reaching the conditions at which a quantum bounce could possibly occur.Comment: 6 pages; published versio

Characterization of the n-TOF EAR-2 neutron beam

The experimental area 2 (EAR-2) at CERNs neutron time-of-flight facility (n-TOF), which is operational since 2014, is designed and built as a short-distance complement to the experimental area 1 (EAR-1). The Parallel Plate Avalanche Counter (PPAC) monitor experiment was performed to characterize the beam prole and the shape of the neutron 'ux at EAR-2. The prompt γ-flash which is used for calibrating the time-of-flight at EAR-1 is not seen by PPAC at EAR-2, shedding light on the physical origin of this γ-flash

The measurement programme at the neutron time-of-flight facility n-TOF at CERN

Neutron-induced reaction cross sections are important for a wide variety of research fields ranging from the study of nuclear level densities, nucleosynthesis to applications of nuclear technology like design, and criticality and safety assessment of existing and future nuclear reactors, radiation dosimetry, medical applications, nuclear waste transmutation, accelerator-driven systems and fuel cycle investigations. Simulations and calculations of nuclear technology applications largely rely on evaluated nuclear data libraries. The evaluations in these libraries are based both on experimental data and theoretical models. CERN's neutron time-of-flight facility n-TOF has produced a considerable amount of experimental data since it has become fully operational with the start of its scientific measurement programme in 2001. While for a long period a single measurement station (EAR1) located at 185 m from the neutron production target was available, the construction of a second beam line at 20 m (EAR2) in 2014 has substantially increased the measurement capabilities of the facility. An outline of the experimental nuclear data activities at n-TOF will be presented

Evaluation Of The Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between Candesartan Cilexetil And Felodipine

The study was performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interaction of test formulation of candesartan 16 mg tablet and felodipine extended release 5 mg tablet together in a combination package, comparing with the fasting period intake of commercial formulations of both Atacand® 16 mg tablet and Splendil® extended release 5 mg tablet (Test formulation and reference formulation from AstraZeneca, Brazil) in 36 volunteers of both sexes. The study was conducted open with randomized three period crossover design and a one week wash out period. The candesartan and felodipine were analyzed by LC-MS-MS. The mean ratio of parameters Cmax and AUC0-t and 90% confidence intervals of correspondents were calculated to determine the pharmacokinetic interaction. Geometric mean of candesartan exposure together in a combination package felodipine individual percent ratio was 102.51% AUC0-t and 110.40% for Cmax. The 90% confidence intervals were 90.00 - 116.77% and 93.94 - 129.74%, respectively. Geometric mean of felodipine exposure together in a combination package candesartan individual percent ratio was 102.69% AUC0-t and 96.17% for Cmax. The 90% confidence intervals were 89.46 - 117.88% and 82.07 - 112.69%, respectively. The major variable in this respect, AUC, was not signicantly affected by felodipine and candesartan with concomitant administration. The Cmax of candesartan was not signicantly affected by co-administration of felodipine. Based on these data and in presence in the market of isolated candersatana and felodipino formularizations used in combination in medical practice, it is concluded that there are no risk with concomitant administration between felodipine and candesartan.© 2011 Abib Jr E, et al.31510Blyckert, E., Wingstrand, K., Edgar, B., Lidman, K., Plasma concentration profiles® and antihypertensive effect of conventional and extended release felodipine tablets (1990) Br J Clin Pharmacol, 29, pp. 39-45Blychert, E., Edgar, B., Elmfeldt, D., Hedner, T., A population study of the pharmacokinetics of felodipine (1991) Blood Press, 31, pp. 15-24Blychert, E., Felodipine pharmacokinetics and plasma concentration vs effect relationships (1992) Blood Press, 2, pp. 1-30Dahlöf, B., Andersson, O.K., A felodipine-metoprolol extended-release tablet: Its properties and clinical development (1995) J Hum Hypertens, 9, pp. 43-47Dunselman, P.H., Edgar, B., Felodipine clinical pharmacokinetics (1991) Clin Pharmacokinet, 21, pp. 418-430Edgar, B., Regardh, C., Lundborg, G., Romare, P.S., Nyberg, G., Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic studies of felodipine in healthy subjects after various single, oral and intravenous doses (1987) Biopharm. 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